After making the final list of players to the U-20 World Cup, Flying Eagles forward Bernard Bulbwa has said the World Cup will be his stage to shine.

Bernard Bulbwa

The 18-year-old scored a spectacular goal to help Nigeria beat Senegal 1-0 in the final of the last Africa Youth Championship in March to help Nigeria lift the trophy, and says this is his opportunity to make a bigger statement.

“I thank God for what I did at the Africa Youth Championship but the World Cup is obviously a bigger stage and a bigger opportunity for me to showcase my talent.

“This is my stage to shine and I believe I will not let Nigerians down by the grace of God. My teammates and I have worked really hard to get to this stage and hopefully we will go on to win the World Cup,” he said.

The new Esperance acquisition played at the 2013 CAF U-17 championship for Nigeria, but failed to make that year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Having been named amongst the 21 players to play at the U-20 World Cup, he says he is grateful to the coaches for giving him the opportunity.

“I have to thank the coaches for giving me this opportunity and I am grateful. I will do my best so I won’t disappoint them,” he stated.